Women's Soccer Defeats UCF 1-0 Sunday

Sunday, March 7

Memphis, Tenn.

12:30 p.m.

University of Memphis

3-1-0, 2-0-0

UCF

2-2-0, 2-2-0

UCF

Memphis

Photo by: Eric Glemser

Mar 07, 2021 | Women's Soccer

Box Score Memphis-UCF Boxscore

Stordy nets match's lone goal in the UofM's second AAC win of the season.

MEMPHIS –University of Memphis freshman Grace Story netted the match's lone goal 12 minutes into the second half to lift the Tigers to a 1-0 American Athletic Conference victory over UCF Sunday afternoon. The match was played at the Billy J. Murphy Soccer/Track and Field Complex on the University's Park Avenue campus.

With the win, the Tigers improve to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the AAC. Memphis is tied atop the league standings with USF, which also is 2-0 in conference play. The Knights' record is even at 2-2 overall and 2-2 in the conference.

"Our players really responded this week," said head coach Brooks Monaghan. "There was a lot of teaching this week, and I'm extremely proud because they stuck to the game plan.

"This was a tough game. UCF is a very good team. You have to play them with discipline or they will burn you. I thought our players were very disciplined today."

After a scoreless first half, the UofM broke into the scoring column first 12 minutes after halftime. Following a Memphis corner kick, UCF was unable to clear the ball. In a scramble near the top of the box, junior Kimberley Smit tapped the ball to Story, whose shot attempt from 18 yards out found the back of the net.

"The goal came like my first goal (of the season)," said Stordy. "I was at the top of the box, and the ball bounced in front of me. I just thought I'd take a rip at it. I hit the ball, and it found the back of the net."

The goal was Stordy's second of her freshman campaign. Stordy attempted a season-high three shots in Sunday's match.

"Grace hasn't played like a freshman all season," Monaghan said. "I'm not surprised she had a good game. She's done that since Day One."

UCF, however, nearly put the first score on the board in the second half. After Memphis failed to convert a corner kick, the Knights went on the offensive and pushed the attack inside the UofM box. UCF's Katie Bradley's shot attempt hit off the right post and bounced back across the goalmouth, but the ball was cleared by the Tigers.

With nine minutes left in regulation, the Knights had an opportunity to knot the score at 1-all. The shot attempt, though, sailed just left of the goal.

"UCF is so good with possession of the ball," Monaghan said. "If you're not focused, they'll break you down easily. It takes a lot of focus, a lot of energy (to play UCF). That was a heckuva soccer game today. It was a battle between two very good teams."

The Tigers out-shot UCF 21-7, including a commanding 13-2 advantage in the first half. Memphis also held a 9-1 corner kick advantage.

UofM goalkeeper Elizabeth Moberg made two saves in posting the 30^thshutout of her career. UCF netminder Caroline DeLisle collected nine saves.

"This match was extremely important, every match in this conference matters," Monaghan said. "For us to have six points after two games is huge because, in this conference, there are no easy games, and points are hard to come by."

The Tigers return to action Mar. 14 with a 12 p.m. (CT) match against Houston at the Murphy Soccer/Track and Field Complex.

For more information on the Memphis women's soccer team, follow the Tigers on Facebook (/MemphisWSoccer), Twitter (@MemphisWSoccer) and Instagram (@MemphisWSoccer).